The allure of the West Coast

Leaving Somerset West early in the morning, it was to explore the West Coast in one day. Ideally one would stay over, and make this a leisurely type of trip, but time only allowing for one day. Darling for a quick stop to Eva Perron’s delightful abode, inside a disused Railway station. This is a museum that plummets you straight back into the days of Apartheid. It’s all there, the Whites only signs, Afrikaner power and the face of Hendrik Verwoerd staring back at you from lampshades. early prints and anything else Pieter Dirk Uys could find. This sleepy town is a must stop, and even if you don’t know that much about life before Mandela was freed, this is an education. Kitch heaven.

Evita se Perron

Driving towards the coast, the drought is all to evident. Barren farmlands, dry dams. Our first stop at the coast Yzerfontein. Few people thinking about a swim in the cold waters, but many on the beach, the endless beach that laces this holiday town. The blues of the ocean and the endless horizon is mesmerising and a popular holiday destination.

Lulu’s was packed with breakfast takers, some on motorbikes doing their tripping on the open road, others simply knowing it was the meeting place they favoured. Many small restaurants and coffee shops, as well as gift and curio shops available to make a proper morning of it.

The West Coast drive does not follow the shore line, and so its back to the highway to continue north to Paternoster. We pass Langebaan and smaller stops along the way. When it’s flower time, the West Coast Nature reserve puts on a brilliant display.

I had wanted to visit Paternoster for a very long time, and again, a long weekend would have been perfect for this, but time did not allow. It is a short way from the main road, the landscape littered with rocks and earth colours and is the stuff of paintings.

Oep de Koep is a delightful general store that greets you to the entrance of the town; old fashioned sweeties had to be bought, a browse through days gone by stuff – these are small towns that thrive during the tourist season and linger in between. Whitewashed houses, mostly summer houses line the road leading down to the beach. I wanted to visit this place:

‘Wolfgat offers a unique Strandveld dining experience showcasing a selection of indigenous ingredients specific to our coastal location.’ This is a unique dining experience and limited only 20 guests per sitting so do book well in advance. West Coast on a plate made with meticulous love and attention and gathered from your own earth. Wolfgat is said to be the cave beneath the original fisherman’s house, now the restaurant.

Further down, on the beach, you will find ‘Die Gaaitjie‘ another well known bastion of Paternoster life.

Ended our Paternoster experience with a stop at Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel. This is a stunning hotel, the perfect unwind place for a romantic weekend, or just to chill out from the hustle and bustle of life.

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel

The drive back was all the way to Cape Town, with a stop at Blouberg and if you have the time, or the inclination, the kite surfers are a wonder to behold. Even more so with Table Mountain as the ideal background. Spend time here, on the beach and perhaps a sundowner or two.

You must put this trip on your itinerary. You will be ever so delighted that you did.

3 thoughts on “The allure of the West Coast”

HI KAREN. WE ARE MOVING TO CT IN JUNE SO FIRSTLY WILL BE ABLE TO SEE YOU AND SECONDLY DOING A FANTASTIC TRIP END AUGUST TO PATERNOSTER AND THEN TO SEE THE FLOWERS.
CANNOT WAIT TO TRAVEL AND DISCOVER THAT PART OF THE WORLD.
THANKS FOR YOUR EYE OPENING ARTICLE. LOTS OF LOVE. JULIE XX

Thanks karen for the eye opening article on the West Coast. We are going to Paternoster end August and cannot wait.
Moving to CT in June so will be able to now see you more often. With Justin retired we do not get to London anymore.

Hi Julie. Delighted to hear you are going to Cape Town and you will love being there. A special place to love. There is so much more to Paternoster, and make sure you stop by Wolfgat for a unique experience. More to follow on this magnificent province.

Comments are closed.

About us

Karen and Madison have formed London Green Africa, living between London and South Africa, to share their experience and create bespoke Weddings, Celebrations and Journeys for others to live a life touched by the people, the landscape and the wonder of it all.